In truth there is faith and through discovery of our heritage there can be enlightenment for ones universe. This family study has produced many delightful surprises and discoveries. Also, I have encountered baffling enigmas, many that cannot be solved or reconciled. In the end, in spite of these difficulties and the failure to get more family information, this has been for me a richly rewarding experience.

It has been my desire to make this study as objective and accurate as possible. Original records are the best sources for family information, but they are not always available. Information received from individuals was accepted and recorded without verification on my part, and I do thank all the contributors. To name all those to whom I am indebted would be clearly impossible. However, I shall list some of them under acknowledgements.

The insights and criticisms rendered me by all of the collaborators have helped in making many revisions and corrections, providing additional information, and, I hope, to make a more accurate account of these families. This is especially true for some children of Cornelius Autry, Immigrant; namely, Absalom, James, John and Jacob.

The golden threads of our lives and the memories which are the couriers between the past and the present sprinkles stardust on our dreams. As you dwell for a few moments on the past, may you be proud of your heritage, appreciate those who have made it possible, and be grateful for its preservation. It has been said that: "He who publishes a book runs a very great hazard, since nothing can be more impossible than to compose one that may secure the approbation of every reader." Nevertheless, I make no apology, nor does Cousin Robert. We accept full responsibility for its contents, but covet leniency for errors found herein. I feel like the English Parish Register who wrote in 1582: "Good Reader, blame not the Wrytter for that that is Myssing in the Booke is not his fault. What he hath faounde. . as nere as possybell he could hath set downe."

You will find differences in this book from that in other books I have written. Where differences occur, you should rely on the new and correct information in this publication. If you find errors in cross references and/or cannot find the reference, the index will help you find the name and page on which they appear. We have so many cousins to marry cousins, it is almost impossible to list all of them. All we hope is to recover some of the cost of typing, printing, and mailing. The rest is a labor of love for our rich heritage.

Finally, let me assure you that without the drive and help from my cousin (fifth cousin, once removed~ Robert Autry Brooks and cousin Bonner Hubbard, this book wojuld never have been published.

I am part of the sun as my eye is part of me. That I am part of the earth my feet know perfectly, and my blood is part of the sea. My soul knows that I am part of the human race, my soul is an organic part of the great human race, as my spirit is part of my nation. In my own very self, I am part of my family.

--David Herbert Lawrence.